Wireless Communication System

ABSTRACT

A processing system is described that includes a wireless communication interface that wirelessly communicates with one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment. The wireless communication interface receives a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices. A local server computer located in proximity to the establishment generates instructions for processing the remote order received from the wireless communication interface. The local server computer then passes the processing instructions to an order processing queue in preparation for processing of the remote order.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/485,142, filed Jul. 11, 2006, and entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, and which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/805,328, filed Jun. 20, 2006, and entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to personal, portable electronic devices such as media players, radios, cell phones and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Recent developments in consumer electronics have included the introduction of portable personal communication devices such as media players (such as MP3 players, minidisk players), cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like. In the case of a cell phone, a user can communicate by voice, text, or other multimedia data. For example, a cell phone user can send a text message by means of any number of communication protocols such as the Short Message Service—Point to Point (SMS-PP) protocol (defined in GSM recommendation 03.40). Using SMS-PP, messages are sent via a store-and-forward mechanism to a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), which will attempt to send the message to the recipient and possibly retry if the user is not reachable at a given moment.

Using a cell phone or other such device to remotely enter into a commercial transaction (such as food or drink ordering) is widespread and well understood. However, in order to initiate such a remote transaction using a cell phone, a user must be aware that a merchant of interest is nearby, must be aware of a list of available items for purchase by the merchant, must be aware of a price for each item, etc. Even in those cases where all the relevant knowledge is available and known, the user must then pay for the services or goods purchases. In some cases, the user must use a credit or debit card by repeating very sensitive information in a voice loud enough to be heard and understood over the phone, or enter the information manually if speaking is not an option. In some cases, if the merchant does not accept the particular payment method, the customer must pay using cash thereby eliminating most, if not all, of the perceived efficiencies of remotely ordering using the cell phone, PDA, media player, etc.

In any case, once the transaction is entered into, the customer order is then queued up in, typically, a first in first out order without distinguishing if the order was placed locally or remotely. In this way, a remote purchaser has only an approximate idea of a time to actually retrieve the order. This can result in an annoying wait in a long queue if the purchaser arrives before completion of the order. In the case of a food and/or drink purchase, a hot drink such as coffee is picked up in a tepid state if the purchaser arrives substantially after the ordered hot drink is ready for pickup.

Therefore, there is a need for improved approaches to process a remote order.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A processing system is described that includes a wireless communication interface that wirelessly communicates with one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment. The wireless communication interface receives a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices. A local server computer located in proximity to the establishment receives the remote order from the wireless communication interface and generates instructions for processing the remote order. The local server computer then passes the processing instructions to an order processing queue in preparation for processing of the remote order.

In one embodiment, an acknowledgement is forwarded to the originating wireless client device indicating that the remote order has been successfully received. Furthermore, an estimate order completion time can then visually displayed by the wireless client device and/or audibly rendered by way of a speaker or earphone.

In another embodiment, a method of processing an order provided by one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment is described. The method is carried out by receiving a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices at a wireless communication interface that is in communication with a local server computer in proximity to the establishment. The remote order is then passed to and processed by the local server computer and is then stored in a processing queue in preparation for processing of the remote order.

In yet another embodiment, a processing system is described. The processing system includes a wireless communication interface arranged to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment. The wireless communication interface receives a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices that is then passed to a local server computer located in proximity to the establishment having a memory arranged to store data that includes a customer preference file listing customer preferences. The local server computer consults the customer preference file in order to generate processing instructions for processing of the remote order. The local server computer passes the processing instructions to a processing center for processing the remote order in response to the processing instructions.

In still another embodiment, a method of processing a remote order provided by one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment is described. The method is carried out by receiving a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices, consulting a customer preference file that lists customer preferences by way of a local server computer located in proximity to the establishment, generating a processing instruction for processing the remote order by way of the local server computer based upon the consultation of the customer preference file, and processing the remote order in response to the processing instruction.

In another embodiment, a wireless client device suitable for wirelessly providing a remote order to an establishment is described. The wireless client device includes a wireless communication interface arranged to send and receive wireless signals, a processor for processing executable instructions, and a wireless range evaluator unit in communication with the wireless communication interface and the processor arranged to determine if the wireless client device is within wireless range of the establishment, wherein when the wireless range evaluator unit determines that the wireless client device is within wireless range of the establishment, the processor sends the remote order to the establishment by way of the wireless communication interface.

Another embodiment provides a computer program product executable by a processor for processing an order provided by one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment. The computer program product includes computer code for receiving a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices at a wireless communication interface in communication with a local server computer in proximity to the establishment, computer code for processing the remote order by the local server computer, computer code for storing the remote order in a processing queue in preparation for processing of the remote order, and a computer readable medium for storing the computer code.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a portable media player according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a wireless system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the wireless system shown in FIG. 2A suitably configured for receiving and processing a remote order from a wireless client device.

FIG. 3 shows a wireless communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the wireless mobile device implemented as a wireless media player in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the wireless media player receiving the ping signal from a recognized merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the wireless media player receiving the ping signal from the recognized merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a updating a merchant status in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a purchase transaction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates authenticating a customer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates dealing with a customer without sufficient funds in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows how once a transaction has been authenticated and authorized the merchant sends a purchase inquiry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart detailing a process for a wireless transaction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart detailing a process for determining if a wireless client device is within range of a wireless data network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart detailing a process for determining if a merchant is a recognized merchant or an unrecognized merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart detailing a process responding to a merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart detailing a process for responding to instruction for a recognized merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart detailing a process for processing a customer selection by a merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart detailing a process for authenticating a customer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart detailing a process for authorizing a customer to purchase the selected item(s) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to a particular embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the particular embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the invention can provide a method, system, and apparatus for wirelessly executing a commercial transaction using a wireless client device such as a cell phone or wireless portable media player. When within wireless range of a participating merchant, at least one of a number of selectable items is selected for purchase. An indication of the selected item is then wirelessly forwarded to the participating merchant who confirms that there are sufficient financial resources available to the consumer to complete the transaction. The selected item(s) are then placed in a priority queue. In a particularly useful embodiment, a time for pickup is forwarded to the wireless consumer product and visually displayed by the wireless client device and/or audibly rendered by way of a speaker or earphone.

The invention will now be described in terms of a client device that includes a portable media player capable of storing a number of multimedia digital data files connected to a media delivery accessory arranged to broadcast audio by way of a plurality of speakers. In the case of the media player being a pocket sized portable player (such as the IPOD™ player manufactured by Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), the multimedia data files can include MP3 files as well as any other appropriately formatted data files. It should be noted that although the described embodiments rely upon using a wireless portable media player, any personal communication device (such as a text message enabled cell phone) can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a portable media player 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The media player 100 includes a processor 102 that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the media player 100. The media player 100 stores media data pertaining to media assets in a file system 104 and a cache 106. The file system 104 is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system 104 typically provides high capacity storage capability for the media player 100. However, since the access time to the file system 104 is relatively slow, the media player 100 can also include a cache 106. The cache 106 is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache 106 is substantially shorter than for the file system 104. However, the cache 106 does not have the large storage capacity of the file system 104. Further, the file system 104, when active, consumes more power than does the cache 106. The power consumption is particularly important when the media player 100 is a portable media player that is powered by a battery (not shown). The media player 100 also includes a RAM 120 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 122. The ROM 122 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM 120 provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache 106.

The media player 100 also includes a user input device 108 that allows a user of the media player 100 to interact with the media player 100. For example, the user input device 108 can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the media player 100 includes a display 110 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor 102 to display information to the user. A data bus 124 can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system 104, the cache 106, and the processor 102. The media player 100 also includes a bus interface 116 that couples to a data link 118. The data link 118 allows the media player 100 to couple to a host computer over a wired connection.

In one embodiment, the media player 100 serves to store a plurality of media assets (e.g., songs) in the file system 104. When a user desires to have the media player 100 play a particular media item, a list of available media assets is displayed on the display 110. Then, using the user input device 108, a user can select one of the available media assets. The processor 102, upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 112. The CODEC 112 then produces analog output signals for a speaker 114. The speaker 114 can be a speaker internal to the media player 100 or external to the media player 100. For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the media player 100 would be considered an external speaker.

The media player 100 also includes a wireless network interface 126 arranged to wirelessly transmit any selected data from the media player 100 to any appropriately configured receiver unit over a wireless network. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wireless network interface 126 takes the form of a “WiFi” interface according to the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g standards. Other wireless network standards could also be used, either in alternative to the identified standards or in addition to the identified standards. Such other network standards could include the IEEE 802.11a standard or the Bluetooth standard.

In one embodiment, the media player 100 is a portable computing device dedicated to processing media such as audio. For example, the media player 100 can be a media player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, a remote controller, a portable communication device, and the like. These devices are generally battery-operated and highly portable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures, communicate with others, and/or control other devices. In one implementation, the media player 100 is a handheld device that is sized for placement into a pocket or hand of the user. By being handheld, the media player 100 is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by its user. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device, as in a portable computer). Furthermore, the device may be operated by the user's hands, no reference surface such as a desktop is needed.

Although the media items of emphasis in several of the above embodiments were audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), the media items are not limited to audio items. For example, the media item can alternatively pertain to recorded discussions and the like.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a wireless system 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The system 200 includes a central server 202 and a wired data network 204. The central media server 202 couples to the wired data network 204. The wired data network 204 can be a global network, a wide area network, or a local area network. In one example, the wired data network 204 pertains to some portion of the World Wide Web. A personal computer 206 can couple to the wired data network 204. A wireless data network 208 can also couple to the wired data network 204. The wireless data network 208 can include one or more wireless data networks, such as cellular networks, WiFi networks, WiMAX networks, Bluetooth networks, etc. The wireless system 200 can also include a local server 210 that can couple to one or both of the wired data network 204 and the wireless data network 208.

The central server 202 stores or has access to numerous product data items. The local server 210 also stores or has access to various product data items. In addition, the system 200 supports a plurality of portable media devices 212 and 214. The portable media device 212 can couple to the wireless data network 208 over a wireless link 216. Similarly, the portable media device 214 can couple to the wireless data network 208 over a wireless link 218. In this regard, the portable media devices 212 and 214 can access the central media server 202 and/or the local server 210 via the wireless data network 208.

In one embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices, such as the mobile devices 212 and 214 illustrated in FIG. 3, can pertain to media devices. More particularly, the media devices can pertain to media players, such as the iPod® media player from Apple Computer, Inc. These mobile devices can include a purchase transaction management application that operates on the mobile device to facilitate a purchase transaction between the mobile device and a merchant with access to the servers 202 and/or 210. Given the portability of mobile devices, mobile devices are smaller and have less resources. Consequently, a purchase transaction management application designed for use on a mobile device may offer less features and capabilities than would a counterpart purchase transaction management application operating on a larger, more powerful computing device, e.g., a personal computer. Given that the mobile devices have wireless access to the local server 210 and/or the central server 202, the mobile devices can interact with the servers 202 and 210 to request and/or receive product data (or other data). In this regard, a purchase transaction management application operating on the mobile devices can communicate with the media servers 202 and 210 to perform various tasks, including: selecting items to purchase, receiving a periodic delivery of product content to media devices (such as daily pushing advertisements from a server to a media device), etc.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the wireless system 200 shown in FIG. 2A suitably configured for receiving and processing a remote order from a wireless client device. The system 200 includes the local server computer 210 located at an establishment 220 in wireless communication with the wireless data network 208 by way of a wireless communication interface 222. When the local server computer 210 receives a remote order 224 by way of the wireless communication interface 222, the local server computer 210 generates a tagged remote order entry 226 that determines an order of processing of the remote order 224. The tagged remote order entry 226 is, in turn, sent to and stored in a processing queue 228 that also receives any local order entries 230 from a local ordering system 232. In the described embodiment, the processing queue 228 is updated based upon whether or not a particular order entry is tagged. For example, if a local order entry is currently stored in the processing queue 228 and a next queue entry is a tagged order entry, then the tagged order entry takes priority over the local (untagged) order entry for processing by a local processing center 234. In this way, the establishment can prioritize, or not, processing of remote orders over local orders as appropriate for pick up at a pick up station 236 when completed. In a particularly useful implementation, once the processing queue 228 has forwarded a next item to process command 238 to the local processing center 234, the local processing center 234 originates and forwards a notification of estimated time for completion of processing 240 to the wireless client device 216 by way of the wireless communication interface 222 and wireless data network 208.

FIG. 3 shows a wireless communication system 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 300 includes a wireless mobile device 302 capable of wireless communication with a wireless network 304 in communication with a local server computer 306 associated with a merchant 308. In the particular embodiment described, the merchant 308 primarily provides ready to eat comestibles (such as coffee, sandwiches, etc.) and any associated peripheral products (such as coffee grinders in the case of the merchant 308 being a purveyor of coffee and/or coffee products). In order to alert the wireless mobile device 302 that the wireless mobile device 302 is within range R of the wireless network 304, the wireless network 304 periodically emits a ping signal 310 that includes a merchant ID 312 that uniquely identifies the merchant 308. The ping signal 310 is arranged such that any compatible wireless mobile devices within the range R of the wireless network 304 will receive the ping signal 310 at a signal strength greater than a preset threshold value.

If the wireless mobile device 302 receives such a signal, then the wireless mobile device 302 responds (or not) to the wireless network 304 based upon any number of predetermined conditions set forth in a customer preference file 316 stored in a memory 318 in the wireless mobile device 302. For example, if the merchant ID 312 is identified as being associated with a recognized merchant (i.e., a merchant having had a previous transaction with a current user of the wireless mobile device), the wireless mobile device 302 will respond based upon a set of instructions included in the customer preference file 316 corresponding to a recognized merchant. Conversely, if the merchant ID 312 is identified as belonging to that of an unrecognized merchant (i.e., having had no previous transaction), the response is based upon another set of instructions associated with an unrecognized merchant.

FIG. 4 illustrates the wireless mobile device 302 implemented as a wireless media player 402 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. When within the range R of wireless data network 304, the wireless media player 402 receives a ping signal 406 that includes a merchant ID 408 that uniquely identifies a merchant 410. A processor 412 in the wireless media player 402 receives the merchant ID 408 and sends a merchant ID recognition query 414 to a database 416 stored in a memory device 418 located in the media player 402. The database 416 includes a list of merchants 420 that are considered to be recognized by the user having a customer ID 422. In order to ascertain whether or not the merchant ID 408 is recognized, the merchant ID 408 is compared to the merchant IDs included in the list of merchants 420. If there is a hit (i.e., a match) the merchant 410 is considered to be recognized, otherwise the merchant 410 is considered to be unrecognized. In any case, once the status of the merchant 410 is determined, a fetch instruction command 422 is forwarded to a customer preference file 424 that responds by providing an instruction command 426 to the processor 412 based upon whether or not the merchant 410 is recognized.

The instruction command 426 (when executed by the processor 412) directs the wireless media player 402 to take a predetermined action in response to the received ping signal 406. For example, if the merchant 410 is unrecognized, a user can tailor the customer preference file 424 to issue an instruction command that directs the wireless media player 402 to ignore the ping signal 406. Alternatively, the user could tailor the customer preference file 424 to issue an instruction command to update the list of merchants 420 to include the unrecognized merchant ID 408 thereby changing the merchant status from unrecognized to recognized.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the wireless media player 402 receiving the ping signal 406 from a recognized merchant 502 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, an instruction command 504 is issued from the customer preference file 424. The instruction command 504 is passed to and executed by the processor 412, which in turn directs the wireless media player 402 to open a graphical user interface (GUI) 506 on a display 508 that includes a list of items 510 previously purchased from the merchant 502 stored in the memory 418. In the described embodiment, each displayed item responds to a selection tool 512 by causing the wireless media player 402 to send a selection request 514 that includes an indication 516 of the item selected from the list 510 to the merchant 502 for additional processing. It should be noted that, typically, the list of items previously purchased by the user is stored locally in the memory 418. However, in some cases it may be desirable to store customer information (such as the list of previously purchased items) on either or both the local server 306 or the central server 202. In this way, even in those cases where a user purchases a new item or is using a different media player than would otherwise be used that does not have a current, or accurate, customer preference file for that particular user, the local server 306 or remote server 202 can be used to update, or synchronize, the local memory 418.

It should be noted that the customer preference file 424 can be as dense or sparse as desired based on, for example, an amount of on-board memory storage available, personal preferences of a user, etc. In some cases, the wireless media player 402 can have more than one user associated with it such as when two or more people share the wireless media player 402. In this case, each individual user would have a unique customer ID that would be entered manually by the user when they took current possession of the player 402. When multiple customer IDs are available, then each customer ID can point to a particular customer preference file unique to that customer ID.

In some cases, whenever a wireless media player comes within range of the wireless data network, the wireless media player can be (unbeknownst to the user) directed to send a wireless media player identifier that uniquely identifies the particular wireless media player to the wireless data network. The wireless media player identifier can be used to track lost or stolen media players when the rightful owner has placed the wireless media player identifier in a central database of lost or stolen media players. In this way, if a lost or stolen media player is tracked, any number of subsequent actions can be taken such as notifying the authorities, disabling the wireless media player, displaying a notice to return the wireless media player, etc. thereby providing a strong disincentive for stealing the player.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the wireless media player 402 receiving the ping signal 406 from the recognized merchant 502 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this case, processor 412 directs the wireless media player 402 to generate and forward to the merchant 502 a request 602 with an instruction 604 that directs the merchant 502 to generate a merchant response 606 that includes information 608 that is pushed to the wireless media player 402. In this example, the information 608 is displayed on the graphical user interface (GUI) 506 as the list of previously purchased items 510 thereby providing the user the capability of selecting those item(s) from the list 510 along the lines previously discussed.

Therefore, by providing a simple modification to the customer preference file 424, any transaction between the merchant and the current user of the wireless media player 402 can be customized as appropriate. For example, if a user desires to enter into a transaction with only particular merchants, then only those merchants whose merchant IDs are stored in the customer preference file will be allowed to open a channel with the user. Alternatively, some customers may prefer that no merchant advertisements can be forwarded whereas in some cases, the user may prefer advertisements but only for a limited number of products. By tailoring the customer preference file for each customer and merchant, the user can provide as much control as desired in the information provided from and/or to a particular merchant or merchant class (i.e. category of merchants, such as food providers, etc).

In yet another scenario shown in FIG. 7, a merchant 702 is unrecognized. In this case, the media player 402 uses a merchant ID 704 included in a ping signal 706 to update the list of merchants 420 thereby changing the status of the merchant 702 from unrecognized to recognized. In this particular embodiment, once the list of merchants 420 has been updated to include the merchant ID 704, the wireless media player 402 sends a media player response 708 with an acknowledgement 710 of the receipt of the ping signal 706 to the merchant 702. In some cases, in addition to the acknowledgment 710, the media player response 708 can include a merchant request 712 requesting that the merchant 702 send any information, such as advertisements, daily specials, or other enticements that the merchant 702 believes would induce the user to place an order. In this way, the newly recognized merchant 702 can provide the database 416 with information specific to the merchant 702 so as to facilitate a current or future transaction.

FIG. 8 illustrates a purchase transaction 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that the list of selectable items 510 can originate from the memory 418, the local server 308 or the central server 202. Accordingly, starting where FIG. 5 left off where a user has selected an item to purchase from the list of selectable items 510, the wireless media player 402 sends the purchase request 514 having the purchase item indicator 516, the customer ID 422, and an authentication code 802 to the merchant 502. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the merchant 502 then proceeds to authenticate the customer ID 422 associated with the purchase request 514 by verifying the authentication code 802. If the purchase request 514 did not have an authentication code 802 associated with it (i.e., a null field), then the merchant 502 sends an authentication request 902 back to the wireless media player 402. The wireless media player 402 then displays an authentication request icon 904 on the display 508 requesting that the user provide a predetermined authentication code. In some cases, the authentication code can be a pre-selected number, name, combination of words and numbers, or any such combination. In response to the authentication request 902, the user inputs the appropriate authentication code 802, which is then forwarded back to the merchant 502 by the wireless media player 402 by way of an authentication response 906. Once the merchant 502 has received the authentication code 802, the merchant 502 forwards an authentication code verification request 908 to the local computer 306 (or the remote computer 202), which responds with an authentication code status 910. If the authentication code 802 is not verified, then a cancellation notice 912 is forwarded back to the wireless media player 402 canceling the transaction, otherwise, if the authentication code 802 is verified, the merchant 502 is allowed to proceed with the transaction 800.

Referring back to FIG. 8, if the authentication code 802 is verified, then an account enquiry 804 is made of a user account 806 associated with the customer ID 422 to determine if there is sufficient funds in the user account 806 to complete the requested purchase transaction 800. Again, the user account 806 can be stored in either the local computer 306 or the central server 202, thereby providing redundancy. Referring to FIG. 10, if the user account 806 does not have sufficient funds, then any number of actions can be taken. In one case, if the user has preauthorized access to another source of funds 1002 (such as a checking or savings account) located in a bank 1004, for example, then a request 1006 is forwarded to the bank 1004 to access the preauthorized source of funds 1002 from which a predetermined amount 1008 is transferred to the user account 806. If the preauthorized source of funds 1002 is either unavailable or insufficient to cover the predetermined transfer amount, then a cancellation notice 1010 is forwarded back to the wireless media player 402. In another embodiment, instead of a cancellation notice 1010, a request 1012 is forwarded to the wireless media player 402 requesting the user manually input a credit card number (either in written form using an input icon 1014, or verbally using a microphone 1016), for example, to cover the transaction. This could also apply in those situations where the user does not have a preauthorized account from which to draw additional funds when needed to replenish the user account.

In some cases, the user can direct that the user account 806 never fall below a specified amount thereby eliminating the possibility of a transaction being cancelled for lack of funds. In some cases, a notice can be forwarded to the wireless media player 402 indicating that the user account 806 has fallen to a preselected amount and requesting that the user either replenish the account or authorize a transfer from the preauthorized source of funds 1002.

Referring to FIG. 11, once the transaction 800 has been authenticated and authorized, the merchant 502 sends a purchase inquiry 1102 to a database 1104 (that can also be located on the central server 202) that includes a customer information file 1106 having information specific to the customer ID 422 and merchant information 1108 (based upon merchant IDs). The customer information file 1106 can include such information as customer purchase history, customer product preferences (coffee with room for cream, for example), etc.; whereas the merchant information 1108 can include such information as current menu items, specialty menu items, and any other information that a particular merchant deems relevant. Using the information included in the customer preference file 1106, a processing queue 1110 is updated to include the item(s) purchased and any particular customer preferences (such as room for cream, particular temperature if its a hot drink, etc.). Once the processing queue 1110 has been updated, the merchant 502 sends a purchase confirmation 1112 having information 1114 related to the purchase that is displayed on the display 508. Such information can include an estimate of the time for pickup in either textual or iconic form (such as a clock face), the item ordered, the price, and any other information that the merchant 502 deems appropriate. In some situations, the user can specify a particular time to pick up the selected items as opposed to the merchant 502 specifying the pick up time. In some cases, the merchant may decide to give a remote purchaser priority over those who purchased the same or similar items locally at the merchant's place of business. In any case, once the user has the verification notification and estimated time for pickup, the user can go directly to the pickup station at the merchant without having to waste time waiting for an unfinished order or arriving after a order has been finished and has lost its freshness.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1200 for a wireless transaction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At 1200, if a user having a wireless client device is within wireless range of a merchant and if the user wants to purchase an item for sale by the merchant at 1204, then the user selects the item to purchase using the wireless client device at 1206. An indication of the item selected is wirelessly forwarded to the merchant at 1208 and an order queue is subsequently updated at 1210. Once the order queue has been updated, a notification is sent from the merchant to the wireless client device at 1212 notifying the user that the selected item has been queued up. In some embodiments, the notification includes more specific information related to the transaction such as a time for pickup, etc. At 1214, the user picks up the selected item at the merchant thereby completing the wireless transaction.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1300 for determining if a wireless client device is within range of a wireless data network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1300 begins at 1302 with the wireless data network emitting a ping signal. At 1304, the wireless client device receives the ping signal having a signal strength S. If, at 1306, the signal strength S is greater than a predetermined signal strength value, then at 1308 the wireless client device is within range of the wireless data network.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1400 for determining if a merchant is a recognized merchant or an unrecognized merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1400 begins at 1402 by retrieving a merchant ID from the received ping signal and, at 1404, determining if the merchant ID is associated with a previously recognized merchant or an unrecognized merchant. If the merchant ID is associated with a previously recognized merchant, then at 1406, an instruction for a previously recognized merchant is fetched from a customer preference file and the fetched instruction is executed at 1408.

On the other hand, if it had been determined at 1404 that the merchant ID is associated with an unrecognized merchant, then at 1410 an instruction associated with an unrecognized merchant is fetched from the customer preference file at 1412 and executed at 1414.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1500 of responding to a merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1500 begins at 1502 by determining if the wireless client device is to remain in communication with the unrecognized merchant. If it is determined that communication is to cease, then the unrecognized merchant is ignored at 1504 and the process 1500 stops, otherwise, the unrecognized merchant is recognized at 1506. In the described embodiment, the recognition of the heretofore unrecognized merchant can be accomplished by updating the customer preference file to include the merchant ID associated with the heretofore unrecognized merchant. At 1508, an instruction associated with the newly recognized client is executed that can include requesting specific merchant information from the merchant such as a list of current menu items that is, in turn, used to update a merchant information file and the customer preference file stored in the wireless client device.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1600 for responding to an instruction from a recognized merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1600 begins at 1602 by getting a list of selectable items from either the merchant or from the wireless client device. In the case that the list of selectable items is from the wireless client device, a database stored in the wireless client device is accessed at 1604 which includes a list of previously purchased items. The merchant ID associated with the merchant is then compared to those merchant IDs included in the list of previously purchased items at 1606 and, at 1608, the list of previously purchased items that are associated with the stored merchant ID that matches the current merchant ID are displayed on a display.

On the other hand, when the list of selectable items is obtained from the merchant, then at 1610 a database stored in the wireless data network is accessed, which includes a list of purchased items associated with a customer ID that uniquely identifies a previous customer. At 1612, a list of stored customer IDs is compared with the current customer ID and at 1614, the list of selectable items associated with the stored customer ID that matches the current customer ID is sent from the wireless data network to the wireless client device. The list of selectable items is then displayed at 1608.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1700 for processing a customer selection by a merchant in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1700 begins at 1702 with the merchant receiving a customer selection request that includes an indication of the item(s) selected, an authentication code, and a customer ID. At 1704, the customer is authenticated and at 1706 the customer is authorized to purchase the selected item(s). At 1708 a processing queue is updated to include indicators of the selected item(s). At 1710, an estimate of an amount of time required to make the selected item(s) available for pickup is calculated.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1800 for authenticating a customer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1800 begins at 1802 by determining if a customer authentication code is valid. If the authentication code is not valid, then a determination is made at 1804 of whether or not the customer is to be requested to supply a valid authentication code. If the customer is not requested to supply a valid authentication code, then the customer is tagged as unauthenticated at 1806 and the transaction is ended at 1808 thereby ending the process 1800. On the other hand, if at 1804 the customer is requested to supply a valid authentication code, then at 1810, an authentication code request is forwarded to the customer at the wireless client device and control is passed back to 1802 for a determination of the validity of the authentication code. If the received authentication code is determined to be valid at 1802, then at 1812, the customer is tagged as authenticated and control passes back to the process 1700.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart detailing a process 1900 for authorizing a customer to purchase the selected item(s) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process 1900 begins at 1902 by determining if the customer has a valid customer account. If the customer does not have a valid customer account, then at 1904 a request is forwarded from the wireless data network to the customer requesting that the customer open a customer account. If, at 1906, the customer chooses to not open an account, then the transaction is ended at 1908, otherwise, at 1910, a customer account is opened. On the other hand, if at 1902 it has been determined that a customer does have a valid customer account, then a determination is made at 1912 of whether or not the customer account has sufficient funds to purchase the selected item(s). If the customer account does not have sufficient funds, then at 1914 the customer is requested to credit sufficient funds to the customer account. If the customer does not credit sufficient funds, then the transaction is ended at 1908, otherwise, the account is credited with sufficient funds at 1916. In any case, if the customer account has sufficient funds to purchase the selected item(s), either as determined at 1912 or credited at 1916, processing is passed to 1708.

The invention can be preferably implemented by software, but can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

While this invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents that fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the process and apparatus of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A processing system, comprising: a wireless communication interface in communication with the local server computer arranged to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of the establishment, the wireless communication interface receiving a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices; a local server computer located in proximity to the establishment having a memory arranged to store data that includes a customer preference file listing customer preferences that the local server computer consults in order to generate processing instructions for processing of the remote order; and a processing center for processing the remote order in response to the processing instructions received from the local server computer.
 2. A processing system as recited in claim 1, wherein the wireless client device comprises: a processor for processing executable instructions; a display coupled to the processor for displaying text and images; a wireless interface coupled to the processor arranged to send and receive wireless signals; and a memory arranged to store data.
 3. A system as recited in claim 2, wherein the data stored in the memory comprises: a customer identifier (ID) that uniquely defines a customer; a first customer preference file listing customer preferences for the customer; a list of establishments recognized by the customer; and a first customer history file for each of the recognized establishments listing items previously selected by each of the customer at each of the recognized establishments.
 4. A system as recited in claim 3, wherein the data stored in the local server computer comprises: an establishment identifier (ID) that uniquely identifies the establishment in which the local server computer is in proximity; a list of establishment recognized customers listing those customers having previously contacted the establishment; a second customer preference file listing customer preferences for the customers on the list of establishment recognized customers; and a second customer history file listing items previously selected by each of the customers on the list of establishment recognized customers.
 5. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a local processing station coupled to the local server computer and the processing queue arranged to process the selected item.
 6. A system as recited in claim 4, wherein if the local server computer determines that the customer preference file stored at the local server computer does not match the second customer preference file on the wireless client device, then the local server computer updates the customer preference file to match the second customer preference file on the wireless client device prior to generating the processing instructions for processing of the remote order.
 7. A method of processing a remote order provided by one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment, comprising: receiving a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices; consulting a customer preference file that lists customer preferences by a local server computer located in proximity to the establishment; generating a processing instruction for processing the remote order by the local server computer based upon the consultation of the customer preference file; and processing the remote order in response to the processing instruction.
 8. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein the wireless client device comprises: a processor for processing executable instructions; a display coupled to the processor for displaying text and images; a wireless interface coupled to the processor arranged to send and receive wireless signals; and a memory arranged to store data.
 9. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein the data stored in the memory comprises: a customer identifier (ID) that uniquely defines a customer; a first customer preference file listing customer preferences for the customer; a list of establishments recognized by the customer; and a first customer history file for each of the recognized establishments listing items previously selected by each of the customer at each of the recognized establishments.
 10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the data stored in the local server computer comprises: an establishment identifier (ID) that uniquely identifies the establishment in which the local server computer is in proximity; a list of establishment recognized customers listing those customers having previously contacted the establishment; a second customer preference file listing customer preferences for the customers on the list of establishment recognized customers; and a second customer history file listing items previously selected by each of the customers on the list of establishment recognized customers.
 11. A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising: notifying the one or more wireless client device that originally sent the remote order to the establishment of an estimated amount of time until the selected item processing is complete.
 12. A method as recited in claim 11, further comprising; determining if the customer preference file on the local server computer requires updating; and updating the customer preference file by the local server computer, if needed, prior to generating the processing instruction.
 13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein determining if the customer preference file on the local server computer requires updating comprises: comparing the customer preference file on the local server computer to the second customer preference file on the wireless client device; and overwriting the customer preferences on the local server computer by the corresponding customer preferences on the wireless client device when the comparing indicates a no match condition.
 14. A computer program product executable by a computer processor for processing a remote order provided by one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment, comprising: computer code for receiving a remote order corresponding to an item selected by a particular wireless client device of the one or more wireless client devices; computer code for consulting a customer preference file that lists customer preferences by a local server computer located in proximity to the establishment; computer code for generating a processing instruction for processing the remote order by the local server computer based upon the consultation of the customer preference file; computer code for initiating processing the remote order in response to the processing instruction; and computer readable medium for storing the computer code.
 15. A computer program product as recited in claim 14, further comprising: computer code for notifying the particular wireless client device that originally sent the remote order to the establishment of an estimated amount of time until the selected item processing is complete.
 16. A computer program product as recited in claim 14, further comprising; computer code for determining if the customer preference file on the local server computer requires updating; and computer code for updating the customer preference file by the local server computer, if needed, prior to generating the processing instruction.
 17. A computer program product as recited in claim 16, wherein determining if the customer preference file on the local server computer requires updating comprises: computer code for comparing the customer preference file on the local server computer to the second customer preference file on the particular wireless client device; and computer code for overwriting the customer preferences on the local server computer by the corresponding customer preferences on the particular wireless client device when the comparing indicates a no match condition. 